Apple HomePod’s limited support for third-party apps could be a deal-breaker

As we draw closer to the launch date for Apple’s voice-activated smart speaker, Business Insider reports that the HomePod won’t support commands for certain third-party apps like Spotify. A developer update from the company encourages the creation of features in third-party apps that are designed for SiriKit’s Messaging, Lists and Notes, while leaving off things like streaming services. That means you won’t be able to ask your HomePod to fire up your favorite Stranger Things playlist on Spotify with just your voice; you’ll have to use your phone to beam it to the speaker using the AirPlay 2 wireless protocol.…